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Perched at the remote northern tip of Ontario's Bruce Peninsula, the community of Tobermory is surrounded by dense forest and crystal-clear waters -- anyone who enjoys spending time in the outdoors will find plenty to do in the Tobermory area. From hiking and mountain biking to fishing and nature photography, Tobermory offers up a seemingly endless buffet of outdoor recreation -- but with inns, cafes, and bed and breakfasts all over town, civilization is never too far away.

Explore the Great Lake

The Bruce Peninsula separates Lake Huron from the vast Georgian Bay, and Tobermory provides access to both bodies of water. Anglers with a valid Ontario fishing license can launch a boat from Big Tub Harbor to catch largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike, perch, bluegill and crappie. The rugged shoreline of Fathom Five National Marine Park, which encompasses several islands off the tip of the peninsula, is perfect for canoeing and kayaking, as is the shore of Bruce Peninsula National Park on the mainland. Weather conditions can change rapidly, turning the calm lake into a stormy sea, so all boaters should exercise caution. Off the tip of the Bruce Peninsula, Lake Huron is littered with 22 shipwrecks, and guided scuba diving trips are available. For those in search of more reliably calm waters, Bruce Peninsula National Park has more than a dozen inland lakes for fishing, canoeing and kayaking.

Head into the Wild

For those who prefer to stay on dry land, the area around Tobermory is crisscrossed with hiking trails and bike routes that provide access to some of the most remote and scenic landscapes in the region. Bruce Peninsula National Park's 38,000 wild acres boast some remote challenging trails, including a section of the 550-mile Bruce Trail, which begins in Tobermory and follows the rocky cliffs of Georgian Bay before plunging inland until it reaches its endpoint near the Niagara River. Campsites and shelters are scattered along the trail, making it perfect for long backpacking trips, but numerous access points make it easy to hike a smaller section. The Tobermory area also offers plenty of scenic bike routes, including a 6-mile stretch of paved and gravel roads that follows the rocky coastline from Dyers Bay to the Cabot Head Lighthouse.

Experience the Winter

Tobermory may seem most inviting during summer, but for a few hardy souls, winter is the only time to visit. When the snow flies, hiking trails all over the Bruce Peninsula are transformed overnight into snowshoeing and cross-country skiing routes. Trails in the region's national parks are not groomed in winter, but adventurous skiers with plenty of experience and a good map can explore the Bruce Trail and many other pathways in winter. For a less wild snowshoeing or cross-country skiing trip, the Bruce Ski Club maintains several clearly marked trails around Tobermory. Snowmobilers can choose among several trails along the length of the Bruce Peninsula from Wiarton to Tobermory. You can purchase the required trail permit for snowmobiling at several locations around the peninsula.

Return to Civilization

When it's time to step inside, dry off, warm up and sit down for a hearty meal, Tobermory presents a number of options. Eateries such as the Fish and Chip Place, the Shoreline Cafe, Bootleggers Restaurant and the Mermaid's Secret serve up a diverse menu of food and drink. And if you feel so inclined, stop in at the Crowsnest Pub afterward to sample some Canadian craft brews. Overnight lodging options range from lakeside cottages and luxurious hotels to quaint bed and breakfasts and rustic campgrounds. Many establishments are closed during winter, so be sure to call ahead if you plan to visit during the chilly season. The Tobermory Chamber of Commerce website provides a wealth of up-to-date information on places to eat and stay in and around Tobermory.

About the Author

Richard Corrigan has been a full-time professional writer since 2010. His areas of expertise include travel, sports and recreation, gardening, landscaping and the outdoors. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from SUNY Geneseo in 2009.